What is sonata allegro form

Even works that do not adhere to the standard description of a sonata form often present analogous structures or can be analyzed as elaborations or expansions of the standard description of sonata form. Craig Wright at Yale University.

In his presentation, he relates sonata form to some of the musical structures you may have come across in popular music. He also begins to explain some of the most common melodic and harmonic practices associated with sonata form. Skip to main content.

Classical Forms. Search for:. But both names are acceptable and refer to the same thing. A sonata is a work for solo instrument s in three or four contrasting movements, the first movement of which is generally in sonata allegro form. In fact, a symphony may be thought of as a sonata for orchestra, and a string quartet may similarly be thought of as a sonata for two violins, viola, and cello.

In the larger perspective, sonata allegro form or sonata form is a large ABA form, arguably the most aesthetically satisfying form of all because of its judicious balance of elements of unity by virtue of the re-statement of the first A section , and variety because the B section offers something musically new.

The second A section, or recapitulation section, is essentially a restatement of the first A, or exposition section. It would be ideal for the reader to listen to a recording of this movement while following the thumbnail analysis that follows:. In this particular work, as was often customary, the entire exposition is then repeated, helping the audience to become more familiar with the thematic and transitional material, and to better remember it. The development section is usually the most dramatic portion of a sonata form movement.

It is here that the composer gives free rein to his or her imagination, modulates shifts keys frequently, but always with the expectation of an eventual return to the home key. As you can see above, the rondo form can appear as a part of a multi-movement sonata. The rondo form is not tied to the sonata form, though, and it often appears in independent pieces the rondo form is actually much older than the sonata.

Also, the finale of a classical multi-movement sonata can be something else than mentioned, for example a set of variations. Sign up to join this community. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top. Stack Overflow for Teams — Collaborate and share knowledge with a private group. Create a free Team What is Teams? Learn more. What is "Sonata-Allegro form" and what other similar forms should I be aware of? Ask Question. Asked 8 years, 10 months ago.

Active 5 years, 6 months ago. Viewed 15k times. Willing to separate this part as new question if appropriate. Improve this question. As far as "other similar forms" see the answer to What are the parts of a classical composition?

Add a comment. Active Oldest Votes. The classical multi-movement sonata usually consists of three or four movements: A fast movement in sonata-allegro form. A slow movement.